Single shot twin x-ray microscopic imaging using simultaneously produced laser-plasma x-ray sources

A simple technique of single shot x-ray microscopic imaging is reported using two simultaneously produced laser-plasma x-ray sources. Twin x-ray images are recorded by placing the sample in a proximity gap with a photoresist and exposing it to two equivalent point x-ray sources. Characterization of the technique is carried out using a carbon fiber as a test sample and x-ray emission (hν⩾1 keV) from laser produced copper plasmas. A spatial resolution of ∼300 nm is observed, consistent with the geometrical parameters of the imaging system. This method may be useful in obtaining a single shot comparison of spectral and temporal characteristics of a sample by using different x-ray filters or plasma targets for the two imaging paths and a temporal delay in generation of the two x-ray sources, respectively.